FIND-of-the-DAY Nature In the City

Metro Detroit has numerous pockets of water front homes and large up-north feel lots for under $200,000. Key: look at the rivers on a map. This is how I found our ranch home. Via maps not Realestate listings. I outlined areas that had beautiful land and good schools then I looked at the listings. 

Example of a current listing on ZILLOW: $190,000

24235 Tamarack, Southfield, MI 48075 / 4 bedrooms · 3 baths · 1,482 sqft - 1.5 acres

Up-North living in the heart of Southfield. This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sits on 1.5 acres of tranquil living. 324 feet of Rouge River frontage and the spacious front and backyard make it a home to enjoy to come home to. Updates include furnace, hwt, LL carpet, electrical, plumbing, Kit. back splash and fresh paint. Hardwood in DR, LR and 4 Bedrooms. Living Room W/ Natural Fireplace. DR and Kitchen face great view of yard. Upstairs 2 Lg. bedrooms, one has Cedar Closet. Walk-out Lower Level has Large Great Room, Bonus Room (could use as office), Laundry and Full Bath. Oversize 2 car garage with overhead ex. storage and Heated Breezeway to house. Fenced oversize wide backyard. BATVAI Come take a look. You won't be disappointed. This is priced right to SELL! Motivated Sellers. 

(Realestate lingo "Motivated Seller" = they are willing to reduce asking price.)

Author: WATER ALWAYS WINS

It is imperative to research flood plains before buying. If the property is in a flood plain the mortgage company will insist the owner obtain flood insurance.

Flood insurance throws home owners from all over the country into one 'pool'. Thus the home owner is paying insurance premiums on par with those in Miami, barrier islands to small streams. Research what the flood insurance covers.

ABOVE: the large back yard may easily accommodate a change in the river height.

ABOVE:

Look at low level rooms. Do they have an obvious water line? Are the lower rooms newly painted while the remaining rooms are not? Unfortunately realtors are not the best source regarding water issues. Buyers may need to forgo basements if a beautiful lot is on their list. The photos do show new carpeting in the basement. Try to take a peak in a corner under the carpeting.  1. Ask the owner about water. 2. If they've had a problem it must be disclosed. 

ABOVE: The second story at 24235 Tamarack defiantly the up-north cabin feel with the knotty pine on the walls and floor.

Do your research on the water shed and flood plain when considering water front property. We purchased our beautiful brick ranch on a property that opens to a 600 acre forest on an upper branch of the Rouge river for $189,000 in Farmington (1999 price). My family is honored to share this jewel in the city with owls, 1 red fox, blue Herron's, 1 giant turtle, ground hogs, coyotes an occasional eagle and countless other animals.

Readers do you have any jewels in the city to share?